December 19

Born in 1951, Rouse developed his climbing skills in the Alps before tackling peaks in the Himalayas. He participated in several major expeditions and was known for his daring ascent style. In 1986, during an attempt on K2, Rouse tragically lost his life in one of the mountain’s most deadly disasters. His journals and published articles provided remarkable insights into the challenges of high-altitude climbing. Rouse’s legacy endures among mountaineers, who admire his adventurous spirit and the vivid accounts he left behind. His adventurous nature continues to inspire climbers around the world.

Born in 1955, Hall balanced a career in teaching with a passion for mountaineering. In 2006, he was left for dead on Mount Everest but miraculously survived after spending a night near the summit. He returned in 2007 to complete the climb, demonstrating remarkable determination. Hall chronicled his ordeal in the book "Dead Lucky," offering a gripping narrative of survival. He later summited other peaks and advocated for safety and education in high-altitude climbing. His story continues to inspire climbers around the world.

Iván Vallejo has achieved a historic mountaineering feat by climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, completing this challenge in 2008. He began his high-altitude career with multiple ascents of Mount Everest and continues to explore remote mountain ranges. Vallejo founded the NGO Alive Foundation to support education and development in Andean communities. He is also an inspirational speaker and author, sharing stories of perseverance and resilience. His achievements have made him a national hero and an icon in the world of extreme climbing.